Massachusetts Weather Forecast: Blizzard Warning Expands; When Will The Snow Stop? Hour-by-Hour

More than 50,000 are without power - mostly on Cape Cod - as an aggressive blizzard continues to bear down on Massachusetts, bringing with it more than foot of snow, intense wind gusts. A blizzard warning has been expanded throughout most of Eastern Massachusetts, including Boston, much of Middlesex County and all of the North and South Shore. The rest of the state remains in a winter storm warning.

The blizzard warning was issued at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Both warnings are in effect until 8 p.m. But is that when the snow is going to end? That's the million dollar question.

The short answer is: tonight, but the exact time frame depends on where you live. According to forecasters, the storm will continue to move eastward into the Atlantic, meaning Western and Central Massachusetts can break out the shovels earlier than folks in Eastern Massachusetts.

"I want to make one point pretty clear, which is that the bulk of the snow ... is going to fall from this point forward," Gov. Charlie Baker said in an afternoon press conference.

For a visual representation of when the snow might stop, check out the tweet below from the National Weather Service Boston. And remember to sign up to your local Patch for more forecasts, snow totals and local news alerts and newsletters.

It seems the Worcester area can expect to be clear between 6 and 7 p.m. Thursday. MetroWest and the Merrimack Valley will be free closer to 9 p.m.

Hot reads on cold day:

• Grocery Store Survival 101
• What's New on Netflix for You and Your Kids?

If you live in the Boston area, the North or South Shore, Southeastern Mass. or the Cape & Islands, you may not want to wait up. The all-clear will be closer to 10 p.m., with the storm not expected to leave the very tip of the Cape until about midnight.

The forecast has only gotten worse. A blizzard warning has expanded along the South Coast. Up to 18 inches of snow is expected across much of the state, with some areas "lucking out" into just 8-12. It's never good when you're hoping for a foot.

The snow, which started in the morning, will intensify through the early afternoon before tapering off.

MEMA's power outage map shows more than 14,000 are without power in Southeastern Massachusetts. There has been thunder-snow in that area.

Wind is going to be a huge concern going forward, with gusts of 50-60 mph resulting in massive snow drifts even after the snow stops falling.

Thursday has so far been less problematic on the roads than Wednesday, likely due to fewer people on the roads and enjoying a snow day. Baker once again implored residents to stay off the roads in the afternoon press conference.

Logan Airport has had hundreds of cancellations throughout the day.

All MBTA services are running on a regular schedule. "We have a long way to go between now and the end of the day," Baker said when asked if this singled the MBTA was "ready for the real world."

Photo courtesy of NWS Boston